How hard would it be to install your own heating and air conditioning units? Labor cost more than the units.?

Question

Is it legal to do on your own? If not, where can you find someone that would install them without charging a crazy amount like the heating/air companies? Do workers of these companies moonlight to make extra money? Thanks

Answer 1

okay if you want to go at it yourself you better know what sizer unit u need how long of a run you have from the condesing unit to the air handler and that you know how to properly charge the unit with freon if anything i said you dont know get a pro or find someone who does it for a company and get them to install it i do it all the time i am an hvac tech and i charge a helluva a lot less than companies do but please dont try to go at it alone or you wont have air

Answer 2

Heating is a must have for every home on the planet. Air conditioning is a luxury. If you can afford a luxury, you can afford a professional installation so that it performs correctly and has a warranty.
A/C installations require training, licensing and tools that you do not have.
You could ask the company what you could do to lower the cost of the install; maybe you could help as unskilled labor, handle cleanup yourself, arrange permitting, or other task.
If a 'handyman' or 'moonlighter' gets hurt putting in your unit, are you going to pay for his recovery time, or do you want a bonded licensed professional company to cover insurance?
If the unit fails next season, do you want the installer to come back out and fix it at no charge, or do you want to try and track down your ninja installer who is now living in another state/country/prison?
Only you can answer this question.

Answer 3

Heating and air conditioning technicians are highly trained, licensed, insured and experienced to work with various types and sizes of HVAC equipment. HVAC companies that employ them must follow government regulations, local ordinances, carry insurances on their employees, trucks etc. They also must keep all employees updated and knowledgeable on equipment, changes, rules etc.
Most HVAC companies have policies in place that prohibit their employees from moonlighting. A few do not and permit the technician to work after hours.
If you are able to locate a technician that can moonlight just remember that if a problem occurs you have no warranties, guarantees or insurance to cover you. Furnaces produce carbon monoxide gases and that is a killer.
Personally I would rather pay a professional company to do the job and feel safer for my family rather than have a DIY guy try to install the system and screw it up.
Another item is where do YOU buy the equipment. Unless your licensed and certified most wholesalers will not sell you the equipment.

Answer 4

We had a replacement last month. In the mid-west, 1650 sq ft, got a 2 1/2 ton Trane installed (same ductwork) with 10 yr P/L warranty for just under 4 grand. Best advice, get at least 4-5 quotes, and use locals over the retail (Sears, etc.).

Answer 5

Many municipalities require a permit and inspection for HVAC installations because there are so many skilled labor issues, electric, ductwork, gas line, etc. Determine if you need a permit.

It is not impossible but there are so many intricacies that a professional is needed to complete this job. Sometimes, you can find someone to do the install but you won't have a warranty and what if it doesn't work?

Contact your local handyman service to find out what it may cost to have them install your HVAC system.

Good luck.

Answer 6

I o that stuff all the time and to be truthful it takes allot of time to figure out stuff I do not do on a regular basis. In the end you have to say that your time working at what you know will make so much and the time to do it takes you so much. Then you see that it is probably more expensive to do it yourself. In my case and to my own defense I have way more time than money so it is worth the effort. I read the manuals and seek advice, plus I know a little about everything so I get it done.

Answer 7

you can change the furnace yourself but you will have to have a permit and the A/C you cant Charge the system because you have to have a license to even get freon and most all company's will not come out and charge it for you after the fact. Your better off paying someone to do it for you and make sure it safe and done right.

Answer 8

You need to keep in mind that frequently you get what you pay for. Pay peanuts, get monkeys. HVAC takes special equipment and knowledge. A moonlighter may save some money if they have a sheetmetal brake, testing equipment for AC and all the rest.

Answer 9

if you don't know the heating and plumbing codes also electric codes why would you want to install yourself,even people who have gone to school for this trades unless they work on it alot are not that good.get estimates even 10,and always get references, and a good warranty,there are alot of chisters out there.